Approximately 12,000 years ago climate change and geographic features led groups of hunters-gatherers to discover the connection between seeds and permanent crops. The result was that each group adapted to their respective environments and settled to create the first civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and India. Sometimes this is known as the Neolithic Revolution. These ancient civilizations became settled as major rivers provided a reliable supply of fresh water, they evolved as a result of 'Trigger Effects' beginning with the development of irrigation techniques. Watch the extract from Connections, a documentary made by James Burke, which explains how these 'triggers' are linked. The Trigger Effect
Below are a collection of links and documents that should help with your research. Use the Worksheet on the eight features of civilizations below to record your notes...
British Museum Ancient Civlizations The following is a link to the excellent British Museum website introducing characteristics of these four ancient civilizations.
Approximately 12,000 years ago climate change and geographic features led groups of hunters-gatherers to discover the connection between seeds and permanent crops. The result was that each group adapted to their respective environments and settled to create the first civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and India. Sometimes this is known as the Neolithic Revolution. These ancient civilizations became settled as major rivers provided a reliable supply of fresh water, they evolved as a result of 'Trigger Effects' beginning with the development of irrigation techniques. Watch the extract from Connections, a documentary made by James Burke, which explains how these 'triggers' are linked.
The Trigger Effect
China
Ancient China.pdf
Detailed History
China Overview Website with good summary of characteristics
China: Characteristics of Civilization
China before China A Blog
Geography of China Summary
China How geography shaped life in China summary
Research:
Below are a collection of links and documents that should help with your research. Use the Worksheet on the eight features of civilizations below to record your notes...
General information/information about all of the four river valley civilizations
Brief Overview of Four River Civilizations Website
British Museum Ancient Civlizations
The following is a link to the excellent British Museum website introducing characteristics of these four ancient civilizations.
Egypt, Mesopotamia & Indus Geography Website
Egypt, Indus & Mesopotamia Detailed characteristics & chronology Website
Life of a River Geographical link about Rivers
Mesopotamia
Turning Points in History gives a 3 minute overview of Mesopotamian achievements
Mesopotamia Overview Website with good summary of characteristics
Geography of MesopotamiaA Summary document
Civilisations: Mesopotamia Parts 1-6YouTube Documentary
All About Mesopotamia...A collection of weblinks
The First CivilisationA Summary document
Life in Sumer A Summary document
Egypt
Egypt The Gift of the Nile summary
Egypt Overview Website with good summary of characteristics
Civilisations: Ancient Egypt Parts 1-6 YouTube Documentary
Indus
Indus OverviewWebsiteIndus Overview Website with good summary of characteristics
Indus Overview Useful Weblinks
The Discovery of Mohenjo-Daro Website